LIMPOPO – Greater Giyani Mayor Thandi Zitha has called for stronger cooperation between communities, traditional leaders, and the municipality to resolve persistent service delivery challenges, particularly water shortages, some of which are caused by the emergence of new village extensions.

Addressing residents during an imbizo held in Mavalani village on Friday, Zitha acknowledged the ongoing water crisis but assured the community that progress was being made.

She said district contractors were currently installing water pipes in several areas, and the visible work on the ground showed that the water would eventually reach affected households.

Mayor warns against illegal water dealings

The mayor also raised concerns about individuals who sold water illegally, saying their actions were worsening shortages in the area.

“These are the same people who prevent water from reaching some of you by making illegal perforations and connections that reduce pressure on the main bulk line,” she said. “Don’t just be happy that they can sell you water. They must explain where they get their water when you do not have water here, because they are the ones damaging your infrastructure and making it difficult for water to reach you,” she continued.

Traditional leaders urged to coordinate stand allocations

Zitha further appealed to traditional leaders to cooperate with the municipality when allocating residential stands.

“When you allocate residential stands, you do it alone without involving the municipality to properly demarcate and register the increased numbers. This creates problems later because those who settle in those new areas need services,” she said.

According to Zitha, the existing water infrastructure was adequate when it was built, but the population has since more than doubled, making it necessary for traditional leaders to engage the municipality when planning new residential sites.

She assured traditional leaders in Giyani that the municipality was not trying to take their land but was working to improve service delivery.

On health services, the mayor said, the community’s request for a clinic would be forwarded to the relevant department, but she urged residents to also take the initiative to make the process faster.

“I believe every village has a development committee,” she said. “That committee, together with the ward councillor, should be the one that is advancing development issues in your village. If we all wait for the municipality, it may take long because many villages need the same services,” she said.

She encouraged residents to approach the Department of Health for clinic-related issues and the Department of Education for school needs.

Sports facility unveiled

The mayor also officially handed over a newly built indoor sports centre in the village.

Community representative, Fish Magazini, welcomed the sports facility but stressed that residents were still in urgent need of a clinic.

He said the nearest clinic in Shivulani was difficult to access because there was no direct transport to the area.